This kale salad with lemon dressing is easy to make and filled with amazing flavors and textures. Simply add ingredients to the bowl and eat!
The only thing that needs prepping is slicing the apples and the kale, if you don't be the prepped bag kind. Serve as a side or add a protein for a main meal!
This post was originally published on June 19, 2021.
I am not your average salad lover. While I like STARTING my meal with a salad, it's not usually something I drool over. And then I went to this local new restaurant, and died over their kale salad. I added my homemade vegan Parmesan and WOW!
Ingredients
Sometimes it's for lunch, other times I serve it as a side. I'll even add some protein and make it the main event! The mix of savory and sweet flavors is so perfect and pairs well with a variety of meals.
You will need the following items to create this light, delicious, and simple kale salad recipe:
- Kale
- Vegan parmesan
- Slivered almonds
- Sliced apples
- Golden raisins
- Lemon juice
- Olive oli
- Salt & pepper
How to Make Kale Salad
This lemon kale salad recipe is super easy to throw together. Here's what you need to do:
- Put everything into a bowl and mix well to combine.
- Serve!
More Kale Salad Ideas
This easy recipe is fantastic as is, but you can always add more flavor and texture! Or transform this lemony kale salad into a main dish and make it hearty with more protein! Try mixing in any of the following:
- Chickpeas
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Lentils
- Seeds like hemp, sunflower, flax, or chia
- Quinoa
- Walnuts
- Spinach
- Shredded Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Red onion
- Mushrooms
- Coconut Bacon
What to Serve With Kale Lemon Salad
Make a complete dinner spread and serve alongside any of the following plant based dishes:
Preparation and Storage Tips
- Save time and mix up the lemon dressing for the kale salad ahead of time.
- Combine the lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper.
- This kale salad dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Wash and dry the kale before prepping.
- Remove the kale leaves from the stem by folding the kale in half and use a sharp knife to slice the rib away. Then cut to your desired size.
- Massaging the kale is optional but will cut down on the bitterness.
- Once it is cut, drizzle with olive oil and use your hands to massage until the kale is a deep green color.
- Store leftover kale salad with lemon dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Common Questions
Kale does not need to be cooked before being used in salads. Just wash, dry, de-rib, cut, and mix!
To make kale less bitter, massage it with some olive oil before mixing it with everything else.
Baby kale, red kale, and tuscan kale are all great options for salads due to their flavor and texture. Use more than one for a mixed kale salad!
Massaging kale will help make it less bitter. It will also help to tenderize and give it a softer texture. However, the cooking process will do this as well so it's not necessary.
More Vegan Salads
Love this vegan kale salad recipe and need more options? Whether it's for an easy lunch, family dinner, or potluck, these plant based salads are all fabulous choices:
Easy Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded kale , measure packed
- ½ cup vegan parmesan , homemade or store bought
- ½ cup slivered almonds
- ½ cup sliced apples
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil , or broth if oil-free
Instructions
- Put everything into a bowl and mix well to combine.
- Serve!
Notes
- If you don’t like raisins feel free to leave them out.
- You can also add a protein of choice to make this a full meal.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Allcookwarefind
I try to eat more kale after reading about their benefits from research. This dish looks good and feel fresh from lemon. I'll try this dinner.
veggiesdontbite
Hope you like it!
Sarah
I'm not a big kale fan but I have been trying to make more of an effort to include it in my diet. This salad is a winner! I massaged the kale which helped, and then the added flavors and textures really brought it over the top! Will be making again.